Delay in prostate cancer treatment linked to better life quality

U.S. – A new study suggests patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have delayed treatment have a longer life quality than those who do not. As reported by Bloomberg, a Harvard University study found that men who chose to only remain under doctor’s supervision as opposed receiving surgery or radiation therapy had six months more quality life.

Lead study author Julia Hayes is quoted in the report as stating of the study, “This study isn’t designed to tell people what is best…It is designed on an individual level to provide a starting point for discussion between the physician and the patient. Sixty percent of men who are screened and diagnosed are over-treated. Those men would be reasonable candidates for active surveillance if they and their doctor are comfortable with that approach.”